Hi -

I'm getting ready to purchase a new MINI and am agonizing over whether to go with the Steptronic transmission or stick with Manual. My last two MINIs had manual and I love the fun/control of driving stick. I just test drove two MINIs yesterday and they were both equipped with the Steptronic transmission. I liked it and drove half of the drive while in the manual mode, but the drive was certainly not the same experience as driving with a full manual shift. I'm wondering if I go with the Steptronic if I'll regret it and would like to hear input from others that made the switch - happy about it or wish they would've stayed with Manual. Automatic certainly has its pros, like driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic - is it worth the sacrifice though. :-)

Thanks!

 

Manual!

/thread

 

^^^ What he said!

 

Manual. Both my MINIs have it and I would not have it any other way.

 

If it doesn't have a third pedal then some of the fun is lost. Paddles are just not a replacement for the control and DRIVING experience imho.

 

back issues force me to love the automatic, don't regret it at all. would own a manual as well if i had need for two cars.

 

That too, if you have foot, hand, or back problems then the auto is the way to go. But if you have no issues then stick is the choice.

 

Yes, aging is a concern of mine. Whatever I purchase, I'll have for at least 10 years, and I'm currently 58 - oy! Also trying to decide between a 4-door or Countryman.

 

You're a young man. Manual.

 

That would be woman :-) And yes, the mini keeps me young.

 

Manual all the way. I wish I had bought my convertible in a manual. I bought it used and was difficult to find a soft top in with a manual gearbox. Hubs is trading it in for a JCW.....manual of course.

 

I've been mashing clutch pedals for near 50 years 3 on Brit roadsters, some farm trucks and my R52. My wife's '15 CM has an auto with steptronic. I tried it out a couple of times and it just ain't the same. If you want manual go with it, the steptronic is no substitute.